Pens’ Trade Brings New Faces To Town

Two days after completing a trade involving Daniel Sprong, Pittsburgh Penguins GM Jim Rutherford stayed busy with another deal.

This one directly affects Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Pittsburgh acquired forward Ben Sexton and defenseman Macoy Erkamps from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for defenseman Stefan Elliott and forward Tobias Lindberg. Both Sexton and Erkamps were immediately assigned to the AHL. Additionally, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton acquired defenseman Ryan Scarfo from the Belleville Senators in a separate trade for future considerations.

The 27-year-old Sexton previously played for the Providence Bruins, Albany Devils and Belleville, recording a career-high 19 goals in 2016-17. He got off to a slow start this year, but has rebounded with seven assists in his last nine games.

Erkamps appeared in 46 games with Belleville last season, recording four points. He’s spent much of this season with Brampton in the ECHL.

Scarfo is a rookie that played with fellow defenseman Jeff Taylor at Union College.

Lindberg never really found his stride with the Penguins, recording only six points in 15 games this season. He is currently recovering from an upper-body injury.

Elliott had eight points in 20 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. With Pittsburgh acquiring a defenseman in the aforementioned Sprong trade, his departure isn’t as problematic for the organization’s depth on the blue line.